Kampung Malay, Mudgeeraba, Gold Coast, Australia

What a delightful surprise to find Kampung Malay in the quite suburb of Mudgeeraba on the Gold Coast. Just when we thought we had reached the top of food heaven with the high quality produce and excellent wine in Australia we were directed to this local hot spot. Packed with locals most evenings, with a line up for takeaway too, this restaurant has done a fine job of making Malay cuisine accessible to Aussie taste buds. The chef has adapted the spices (reduced the heat), uses quality cuts of meat (no grissle or bones) and taken advantage of top grade local ingredients to enable virgin Aussie taste buds to be gently initiated into the joys of Malaysian cuisine. Every dish on our table was devoured in moments, but a special mention goes to the rainbow beef which was so popular that seconds were ordered with some begging to also take a third batch home. I'm interested to know what a native Malaysian might think of these adaptations and if they would find the food equally enjoyable. My guess is yes!

Kampung Malay

16 & 17/ 2 Bell Central

Mudgeeraba, Gold Coast

Queensland, Australia, 4213

+61 07 5569 0085

www.kampungmalay.com.au

Soo Kee, Ampang, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia

Going from my healthiest meal for 2012 at Living Food posted yesterday right on to the unhealthiest but equally tasty at Soo Kee today. Well known by locals as one of the best char siew places in KL the evening we visited we saw this dish on every table. My local buddies and a number of foreigners in the know had advised that char siew is really the only dish to order as it is so good that anything else pales in comparison. It comes with rice and a plate of peanuts to nibble while you wait but we had to at least add some greens to balance out the heavily tipped scales - which were fresh and a welcome conscious saving side dish. So... the char siew - basically caramelized pork fat - so sinfully sapid that I wrestled hubby for the last piece and will need to run everyday for the next week to work it off. I later found out that you can ask for a portion with a higher or smaller meat to fat ratio. I don't know that I would choose differently though - I'm a pretty good runner :-) 

Soo Kee
373 Jalan Ampang
(near the junction with Ulu Klang by the overpass)
Ampang
Malaysia
+603 4257 0767

Bistro 42, Bangsar Village II, Malaysia

This is a very quick post on Bistro 42 as I'm yet to eat an entire meal here, just desserts. As with the rest of the Big Group restaurants the setting is well designed and a delight to wile away a few hours. This post though is principally about the passionfruit cheesecake (white rounds in the middle of the above pic). They are just heavenly. I can't imagine a better combination of flavours and texture - smooth, perfectly blended cream cheese with sweet but slightly tangy passionfruit. Yum!

Bistro 42
1F28 First Floor
Bangsar Village 2
Jalan Telawi 1
Bangsar Baru
59100 Kuala Lumpur
Malaysia
+6 03 2287 6566

Makan Kitchen, Double Tree Hilton, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia

Makan Kitchen, in the Double Tree Hilton, is an ideal place to take guests who are only in town for a short time. You can experience Chinese, Malay, and Indian cuisine all in one spot and not worry about unaccustomed guests' tummies adjusting to the local bugs they might be exposed to with street food. The buffet is spread over three huge dining areas with each section taking on the feel of the cuisine that is served in that area. The dinner buffet generally costs around 79++ RM but can vary depending on the season and other special promotions.

Makan Kitchen
Double Tree by Hilton
The Intermark
182 Jalan Tun Razak
Kuala Lumpur
Malaysia 50400
+60-3-21727272 

Souled Out Ampang, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia

Souled Out Ampang makes it to The Yum List for their uber friendly service. There are few places around KL that try so hard. The staff are energized and do their best to make sure that you have an enjoyable evening. The ambience, in one word, is happy. Food here is unpretentious but decent and you'll be sure to find something to satisfy everyone's taste buds on the menu with both western and local fare given adequate coverage. Famous for their classic margaritas and lychee cocktails, Souled Out Ampang is the perfect place to enjoy a drink or two and a nibble with your buddies.

Souled Out Ampang
Menara HSC
187 Jalan Ampang
Kuala Lumpur
50450
Malaysia
+6 03 2181 1626
www.souledout.com.my
slurp@souledout.com.my

Sudu Christmas Buffet, Hotel Hilton, KL Sentral, Malaysia

I'm enjoying what big hotels are doing with buffets these days. It seems that smaller portions replenished more often has become the trend.  I'm hoping this also means less waste, but it definitely means fresher food. Sudu, in the Hilton at KL Sentral is doing just that. It seems that a focus on quality ingredients done well, rather than an enormous expanse of average food is their goal. I sampled their Christmas buffet and found something to satisfy everyone. A good mix of local and western dishes and some traditional Christmas treats are on offer. You're advised to arrive early or make a reservation as the dining area is often packed by around 8pm. While dishes are constantly topped up, a full house also means they run out fast. If you're an optimist, as I am, you might think that's great as you are assured of fresh food, however some of my dining buddies were not so happy as they had to wait for some of the dishes they wanted to taste. Must eats from this buffet are a fine selection of cheeses, the butter prawns, fish in white sauce and of course the turkey with gravy, stuffing or cranberry sauce. For the sweet tooth you'll be pleased with the praline cheesecake and the mango mousse with a  green tea base. You can go online to find further details about their festive offerings but one great thing to know of is their free pick-up and drop-off service for diners during the New Year's Eve celebrations.

Sudu
Hilton Kuala Lumpur
3 Jalan Stesan Sentral
50470 Kuala Lumpur
Malaysia
+6 03 2264 2264
www.life.hiltonkl.com